Science Minister returns from fact-finding visit to Antarctica

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts has returned from British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station where he experienced first-hand how our scientists are contributing to the truly international effort to help society live with and adapt to climate change.

The visit, which took place in February marked the centenary of Captain Scott’s final expedition to the South Pole. British Antarctic Survey represents Scott’s legacy for UK polar science.

Whilst at Rothera the Minister met biologists who are studying how marine life is responding to environmental change. He had an opportunity to talk with glaciologists about what’s happening to the vast West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the likely consequences for future sea level rise.